Around the Regions

St. John's

St. John's Heart Health Coalition Membership Survey

From December 2000 - January 2001, the Steering Committee of the St. John's Heart Health Coalition conducted a survey with their Coalition members to gain feedback on their involvement with the Coalition and to obtain ideas on new initiatives for the Coalition. The results of the survey showed that members find their involvement with the Coalition to be beneficial to their day-to-day work. The members indicated that they like being involved with the Coalition, especially enjoying the information sharing that takes place among the members.

To assist in supporting the views expressed in the survey, the Coalition meetings now involve more opportunities for sharing information about new programs and resources; and time is allotted for Coalition members and other guests to provide short presentations. This winter/spring, they have had presentations on the revised Heart Smart Restaurant Program; the Clinical Tobacco Intervention Program; the Summer Active Campaign; the Cardiac Rehabilitation/ Support project at the YMCA/YWCA; and, the programs of the School Milk Foundation.

Displays Make for Easy Work

The St. John's Heart Health Coalition has prepared interesting and informative displays on Smoking Cessation; the Heart Smart Restaurant Program; and, Leading a Heart Healthy Lifestyle. These displays have been used during the Women's Health Forum at Health and Community Services, St. John's Region; during National Non-Smoking Week at Memorial University; and, for a Heart Month event at the St. John's Health Care Corporation. The displays are available on loan to St. John's Heart Health Coalition members.

Heart Smart Restaurant Program

Seven volunteers were recruited this year by the St. John's Heart Health Coalition to help with the Heart Smart Restaurant Program. A training workshop was conducted for the volunteers. During February, Heart Month, the volunteers made their annual visits to the participating restaurants in the St. John's Region. It proved to be a challenging time of year with so much snow. A big "thank you" goes out to our dedicated volunteers who managed to complete their visits between snowstorms! Visits by the volunteers to 15 new restaurants took place during the Spring. The "new look" of the program materials has been well received. We look forward to another successful year with the Heart Smart Restaurant Program in this region!

The Good Food Box

The Good Food Box is a food purchasing club which aims to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for low income residents. Through wholesale and direct purchasing, the project is able to offer a "box" of food to consumers at a reduced cost. This project, an initiative of the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, also helps to reduce transportation barriers as the Good Food Boxes are delivered to neighbourhood drop off points. The St. John's Heart Health Coalition received a request from a new member to support this worthwhile project. It was agreed by the Coalition membership to provide some funding towards this initiative in support of healthy eating in our community.

Canadian Diabetes Strategy

Many of the St. John's Heart Health Coalition members attended the Strategic Planning Workshop held by the NLHHP in March, 2001. Following the workshop, the Coalition members were motivated to consider submitting a proposal for funding under the second phase of the Diabetes Strategy. After a short brain-storming session, the Coalition members agreed to build on a project that was working well - Ticker Tom. As a result, the Ticker Tom on the Move Program was created. "Ticker" is moving on to the prevention of another disease and with a new group of children - those attending after-school programs. The exciting news is that Health Canada likes "Ticker Tom" as well, since the Coalition has received approval for funding for the project.

Ticker Tom Heart Health Program

Led by Linda Carter, St. John's Heart Health Coalition and Rickey Lee Noseworthy, summer student, Witless Bay summer recreation leaders complete Ticker Tom Heart Health Program training.